Central Coast prices reached $1,032,500, down 3.3% on the month but slightly above year‑earlier levels, while the Central Valley’s median eased to $490,000 and the Far North rose to $385,000.
Inland Empire homes carried a $585,000 median, reflecting modest annual price softening.
At the county level, 25 of 53 jurisdictions posted annual sales gains, with Trinity, Imperial and Mendocino leading with jumps of 60.0%, 46.7% and 43.3%, respectively. On prices, Del Norte, Tehama and Siskiyou recorded double‑digit annual increases, while Lassen, San Benito and Trinity saw the sharpest declines.
C.A.R. senior vice president and chief economist Jordan Levine framed the outlook as cautiously constructive. “Mortgage rates are expected to continue declining in 2026, but the decrease is unlikely to be dramatic,” he said.
“With the Federal Reserve signaling a more cautious approach to rate cuts and recent signs of economic slowing, California home sales and prices are projected to experience mild to moderate growth over the next 12 months.”